Former BBC journalist David Kerr has been confirmed as the SNP candidate for the Glasgow North East by-election.

Mr Kerr’s candidacy was endorsed at a meeting of the constituency party this evening (Friday).

Following his endorsement Mr Kerr said:

"I'm deeply honoured to be given the chance to serve the people of Glasgow North East.

"I'll be working flat out between now and polling day to earn their trust – whenever Labour have the courage to call the election.

"This in area I have a deep affection for. My family first settled here in the 19th century and lived here for generations, and my early years were spent in Duke Street in Dennistoun.

"Labour has held this seat since 1935. They've had their chance and have failed. It's time for a change. Working together, the SNP and the people of this Glasgow North East have got what it takes to see this community thrive."

About David: 

Born in Glasgow in 1973, David Kerr (35) spent his early years in Dennistoun before moving to Condorrat near Cumbernauld. A graduate of St Andrews University in Scottish History and International Relations in 1996, David joined the BBC in 1997 as a graduate trainee. In 1999 he became the Editor of Newsnight Scotland. At the time, it was reported that he was the BBC's youngest ever editor of a news programme.

More recently David has worked in London as Assistant Editor of Newsnight before returning to Scotland in 2003 as Assistant Editor of Reporting Scotland. In 2007 he moved in front of the camera, becoming a BBC Scotland reporter and regular face on Reporting Scotland.

In 2000 David Kerr resigned as Editor of Newsnight Scotland to contest the Falkirk West by-election for the SNP. There he achieved a dramatic increase in the SNP vote, reducing the Labour majority to just 700. That represented a 16% swing away from Labour to the SNP.

David was an active member of the National Union of Journalists.